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Photo #1: I’ve been enjoying the summer produce all month, but earlier this week I got my first dose of fall ingredients in a beautifully executed and presented dish at Prospect. It was chicken three ways ($25), accented with chestnut puree and tiny caramelized Brussels sprouts, carrots and wedges of crouton-like bread pudding.

#2: At Lolinda in the Mission where meat is king, I loved the warming embrace of short ribs ($19) , stewed in tomato and saffron and served with carrots and other root vegetables.

#3: I’d be hard pressed to remember when I’ve had better sweetbreads ($16)than the ones served last weekend at Angelein Napa. New chef Scott Ekstrom, serves them with cauliflower a golden raisin sauce with almonds, capers and a brown butter emulsion.

#4: At Abbot’s Cellarone of the top main courses on the nightly changing menu is the lingcod ($23) in a Manila clam chowder with a scattering of gigante beans and fresh herbs.

#5:Tra Vigne, which is still going strong in St. Helena after 25 years, offer a fantastic tomato salad ($12) with at least five varieties surrounding a mound of burrata with basil, olive oil and a splash of balsamic.

#6: And for a little comfort, it’s hard to pass up the banana pudding with caramelized bananas and house made Nilla wafers at Picanin Oakland.